During pregnancy, there are many foods and drinks that are contraindicated because they could be harmful to the baby. This happens with fish and raw meat, excessively sugary drinks and foods, and also with some infusions.
Now, which ones can you take and which ones can’t? Below, we offer you a list of totally safe infusions for pregnancy so that you can continue to benefit from their positive health effects and information so that you can avoid infusions that are not recommended.
First rule: limit caffeine
Being a stimulant, caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. On the other hand, its diuretic effect increases the frequency of urination, a situation that could cause dehydration.
In addition, this substance has the property of crossing the placenta. Can you imagine your baby’s still immature metabolism trying to manage caffeine?
It is worth noting that caffeine is not only present in coffee but also in tea, chocolate and its derivatives, such as chocolate ice cream, and cola drinks. Experts advise not to exceed 150/200 mg of caffeine per day. This means limiting your intake of all the foods mentioned above.
Now, what happens to the baby if you consume caffeine regularly, without respecting the recommended dose? Scientific studies have linked excessive caffeine consumption to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and low birth weight babies. Therefore, it is recommended during pregnancy to reduce caffeine consumption as much as possible.
This means avoiding the consumption of tea and coffee, but there are numerous alternatives that suppose the appropriate infusions for pregnancy.
Infusions for pregnancy
We have chosen for you some of the richest infusions that you can safely drink during pregnancy as they do not contain caffeine or any other component that puts your health or that of your little one at risk.
Chamomile infusion
Without a doubt, it is one of the most traditional infusions to drink during pregnancy. Thanks to its digestive properties, chamomile can help improve stomach heaviness and nausea so common during pregnancy, in addition to promoting the expulsion of gases and helping to fall asleep.
To prepare this infusion, you can use envelopes, fresh or dried flowers. Heat the water to 85°C and let the flowers sit in the water for about 6 minutes before straining. You can sweeten with honey, if you wish.
Rooibos
Rooibos does not come from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and therefore does not contain caffeine. In the supermarket you can usually find an interesting selection of rooibos: natural, with vanilla, with caramel, with orange…
The most interesting thing about this infusion is that it provides vitamin C, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese and magnesium, as well as polyphenols, substances that have antioxidant properties and, therefore, help prevent premature aging and some chronic diseases. It is a good and tasty infusion for pregnancy.
Lime infusion
Do you have problems falling asleep? During the last trimester of pregnancy, women usually suffer from frequent awakenings and even insomnia related to the typical discomforts of the time: wanting to go to the bathroom, nerves, back discomfort, cramps, nest syndrome…
Linden has proven relaxing and sedative properties that can help lower anxiety levels and help you sleep better. Infuse a bag following the instructions on the package or cook a tablespoon of linden flowers per cup in hot water for 5 minutes to obtain your relaxing infusion.
Thyme infusion
Nasal congestion is another of the most common discomforts during pregnancy. For this reason, thyme infusion can be a good option. In addition to being safe for the baby, this drink has antimicrobial and mucolytic properties that improve cold, flu, and sore throat symptoms.
To prepare the infusion, place a teaspoon of thyme in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain before drinking and sweeten with honey to soften the taste.
Fruit infusions
A good option for pregnancy is to infuse fruits because, as they do not contain caffeine or harmful substances, they will allow you to stay hydrated and enjoy, at the same time, a comforting drink full of flavor. You can try making decoctions of apple, raspberry, strawberry, banana, lemon, orange or berries.
Ginger infusion
Do you suffer from nausea and vomiting? This infusion settles the stomach, improving the classic discomforts of pregnancy. You can get it at the supermarket, in bags or fresh. This last option is much tastier. Of course, keep in mind that ginger has a spicy touch that not everyone likes. For this reason, we recommend infusing only three small slices per cup of hot water and letting it rest for 3 minutes before drinking.
Lemon balm infusion
Used for many years to relieve symptoms of nervousness, lemon balm tea can help calm nerves and help you fall asleep. Making the infusion is as easy as steeping 5 g of lemon balm per cup in very hot water.
Infusions prohibited during pregnancy
There are some drinks that, due to their properties, are totally inadvisable for consumption during pregnancy. Some of them are the following.
- The consumption of tea, coffee and any source of caffeine during pregnancy is discouraged. Although in small doses it is allowed, specialists advise reducing its consumption as much as possible.
- Pennyroyal infusion contains pulegone and thujone, two substances that stimulate the uterine muscles and can generate contractions, thus inducing premature labor or, in early pregnancy, causing an abortion
- Anise, meanwhile, is also discouraged due to its possible relationship with increased chances of abortion.
- Although it is not prohibited, it is recommended to avoid the infusion of ginkgo biloba since this herb can hinder the absorption of iron and folic acid, two essential components for the correct formation and growth of the fetus.
- If you usually drank eucalyptus tea, avoid it. It could cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
Enjoy our selection of infusions during pregnancy. You will see that they are delicious and, what is more important, they can help you to improve the typical discomforts of this stage of life safely for both you and your baby.